By Andrew Harris
The job of Allegany County Sheriff is as one county legislator described, “is the most powerful job in the county, only the Governor can remove a sitting sheriff.”
Late yesterday the current Sheriff Rick Whitney announced that he would not be seeking re-election for a fourth term. Whitney has enjoyed three terms as Sheriff after defeating incumbent William Tompkins in 2010. His more than twelve year run as Allegany County Sheriff has been very stable, he earned a reputation as a leader on a state level. Whitney has represented Allegany County as a trustee of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association for much of his three terms in office.
Considering the power that the office wields, Rick’s announcement creates a vacuum. Within twenty-four hours of the announcement by Whitney, a successor has emerged. Undersheriff Scott Cicirello has told the Wellsville Sun that he will announce his intentions this Sunday in Belmont:
“I will be making an official announcement this weekend regarding my candidacy for Sheriff. Sheriff Whitney has given this County over 47 years of service and has proven himself to be a true professional. I hold him in the highest regard and want him to know that his dedicated service is truly appreciated. He is the last active police officer I know that started his career in the 1970’s and that regularly watched “Hillstreet Blues” on Thursday nights. He has earned his retirement and wish him the best of luck in his next phase of life. I know his wife Lois is excited for what the future holds.
With the confidence and support of Sheriff Whitney, I will make an official announcement on Sunday. “
Cicirello is a career law enforcement professional, serving in many different roles from Wellsville village police patrolman, NYS Trooper, and an Investigator for the District Attorney. Read more about Scott in this Wellsville Sun story about his appointment to the job of Undersheriff.
